Interlocking Cup and Plate

ABSTRACT

An apparatus that contains a plate and a cup that can be interlocked to each other. More specifically, the cup is attached to a plate with the use of a plate interlocking mechanism and a cup interlocking mechanism. The engagement between the plate interlocking mechanism and the cup interlocking mechanism allows the user to handle both the plate and the cup as a single unit. Moreover, when the need occurs the user can conveniently detach the cup interlocking mechanism from the plate interlocking mechanism and control the plate and the cup as two separate units.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/243,898 filed on Oct. 20, 2015.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an interlocking plate and cup, more particularly to a system and apparatus for detachably fastening a plate to the rim of a cup. A user of the present invention will be able to temporarily connect a plate and cup to enable one handed manipulation of these attached dishes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Weddings, dinner parties and other social gatherings are wonderful opportunities for individuals to catchup with family and friends, meet new acquaintances, or form business connections. During these occasions the standard method of enjoying oneself is to acquire a plate of food and a beverage, and then meander through the room to talk to the other guests. While this is a good idea in theory, it often becomes quite complicated in practice. Taking a drink is quite easy. However, because humans only have two hands it becomes difficult to eat the food while holding a plate and cup.

To accomplish the task of eating while holding a plate and cup guests have only a few options. First, the guest can set their cup down, freeing up one hand for eating. This causes problems because there may not be a table, mantle, or shelf on which to set their cup on. Additionally, unattended drinks may be picked up or discarded. A second, and possibly more complex, option for guests is to balance the plate of food on the rim of their cup. This practice frequently results in spilled food.

The present invention, Party K'nects, addresses this problem by providing a means for guests to securely attach plates of food to the rim of a cup. Guests using the Party K'nects platform don't have to balance their plate on the rim of the cup. Additionally, guests never have to set their drink down in order to free up their hands. By connecting the plate to the cup users are able to easily grasp both the plate and cup with a single hand. Various embodiments of the Party K'nects platform can be made with other dishware such as bowls, platters, and the like. Furthermore, every embodiment features a connection mechanism between the cup and dish which facilitates stacking of multiple dishes. Additionally, this connection mechanism does not hinder the plate from resting flush with a flat surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the plate.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the plate in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the plate in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cup in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the cup in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the plate in the alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the cup in the alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the cup in the alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention introduces an interlocking cup and plate that can be used to simultaneously hold food and drinks. The cup and plate are effectively designed so that attaching the cup to the plate, and detaching the cup from the plate can be completed within a short time period.

As illustrated in FIG. 1-5, the present invention comprises a plate 1 and a cup 9. Both the plate 1 and the cup 9 are designed to be interlocked to each other according to user preference. In order to do so, the present invention further comprises a plate interlocking mechanism 8 and a cup interlocking mechanism 14. When the need to attach the plate 1 to the cup 9 occurs, the plate interlocking mechanism 8 is removably attached to the cup interlocking mechanism 14. In order to attach the plate 1 to the cup 9, while the plate 1 holds food and the cup 9 contains a beverage, the plate interlocking mechanism 8 and the cup interlocking mechanism 14 need to be appropriately positioned.

In order to integrate the plate interlocking mechanism 8, the plate 1 comprises a top surface 2, a plate body 19, and a bottom surface 3 as illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. The top surface 2 is used to hold food items. The plate body 19 provides the structural strength to hold any weight applied at the top surface 2 and also determines the shape and size of the plate 1. The shape and the size of the plate 1 can vary in different embodiments of the present invention. As an example, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plate 1 is circular in shape. However, the shape of the plate 1 can be rectangular or any other comparable shape in another embodiment of the present invention. The top surface 2 and the bottom surface 3 are positioned opposite to each other across the plate body 19 as seen in FIG. 7. Therefore, when the plate 1 is placed on a palm of the user, the bottom surface 3 is in contact with the user. As seen in FIG. 5 and FIG. 8, the plate interlocking mechanism 8 is also integrated into the bottom surface 3 so that the cup 9 is attached to the bottom surface 3.

In order to effectively interlock with the plate interlocking mechanism 8, the cup 9 comprises a rim 11 and the cup interlocking mechanism 14 is perimetrically positioned adjacent the rim 11. In addition to the rim 11, as illustrated in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the cup 9 further comprises an opening 10, a cup body 12, an inner lateral surface 24, an outer lateral surface 25, and a base portion 13. The opening 10 is used to pour the beverage into the cup 9 and remove the beverage from the cup 9. The opening 10 is delineated by the rim 11 so that the cup interlocking mechanism 14 is perimetrically positioned adjacent the opening 10. Therefore, when the cup 9 is attached to the plate 1, the possibility of the beverage spilling out from the opening 10 is eliminated since the attachment at the rim 11 conceals the opening 10. The cup body 12 determines the shape and size of the cup 9. The shape and size of the cup 9 can vary in different embodiments of the present invention. As an example in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cup body 12, which extends from the rim 11 to the base portion 13, is tapered from the rim 11 to the base portion 13 so that the user can conveniently grasp the cup 9 at the cup body 12. The base portion 13 is adjacently connected to the cup body 12 opposite the rim 11 and determines the bottom of the cup 9. Therefore, when the cup 9 is completely filled, the beverage occupies the space from the base portion 13 up to the rim 11. Moreover, when the beverage is filled into the cup 9, the beverage is in contact with the inner lateral surface 24. Since the inner lateral surface 24 and the outer lateral surface 25 are positioned opposite to each other across the cup body 12, the user makes contact with the outer lateral surface 25 when handling the cup 9.

The plate interlocking mechanism 8 and the cup interlocking mechanism 14 can vary in different embodiments of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plate 1 further comprises a central block 20 and a rim receiving ring 21 as shown in FIG. 8. The rim receiving ring 21 is used in the process of securing the rim 11 when the cup 9 is attached to the plate 1. In order to do so, the rim receiving ring 21 traverses into the plate body 19 through the bottom surface 3. On the other hand, the central block 20 is positioned within the rim receiving ring 21 on the bottom surface 3. When the cup 9 is attached to the plate 1, the central block 20 occludes the opening 10. In order to secure the rim 11 within the rim receiving ring 21, and interlock the cup 9 with the plate 1, the plate interlocking mechanism 8 is externally and perimetrically distributed along the central block 20.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plate interlocking mechanism 8 is a plurality of non-continuous threads 22 as illustrated in FIG. 7. In order to engage with the plurality of non-continuous threads 22, the cup interlocking mechanism 14 in the preferred embodiment of the present invention is a plurality of lugs 23. When the rim 11 is positioned within the rim receiving ring 21, the inner lateral surface 24 is positioned adjacent to the central block 20. Therefore, in order to allow the cup interlocking mechanism 14 to engage with the plate interlocking mechanism 8, the cup interlocking mechanism 14 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is distributed along the inner lateral surface 24 as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10.

As seen in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, in the alternative embodiment of the present invention, the plate 1 further comprises a cavity 6 that is used to position the plate interlocking mechanism 8. The cavity 6 centrally traverses into the plate body 19 through the bottom surface 3 and the plate interlocking mechanism 8 is perimetrically distributed within the cavity 6. Therefore, when the plate interlocking mechanism 8 is engaged with the cup interlocking mechanism 14, the rim 11 and opening is secured within the cavity 6. As seen in FIG. 13, the cavity 6 has a cavity opening which is circular in shape. In order to engage with the cavity opening, the opening 10 of the cup 9 is also circular as shown in FIG. 14. As a result, rim 11 which delineates the opening 10 can be effectively positioned within the cavity 6.

As mentioned earlier, the plate interlocking mechanism 8 and the cup interlocking mechanism 14 can vary in different embodiments of the present invention. In the alternative embodiment of the present invention, the plate interlocking mechanism 8 is a female threading 18 as illustrated in FIG. 13. In order to engage with the female threading 18, the cup interlocking mechanism 14 is a male threading 17 in the alternative embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15. Moreover, the cup interlocking mechanism is distributed along the outer lateral surface 25.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the plate interlocking mechanism 8 can be a plurality of receiving slots 15. To engage with the plurality of receiving slots 15, the cup interlocking mechanism 14 can be a plurality of protrusions 16. Therefore, when the need to attach the cup 9 to the plate 1 occurs, the user positions the plurality of protrusions 16 within the plurality of receiving slots 15 so that the cup 9 is removably attached to the plate 1.

When the preferred embodiment of the present invention is being used, the following process flow is generally followed. Initially, the rim 11 is positioned within the rim receiving ring 21. Next, the user executes a twisting motion with the cup 9 so that the plurality of lugs 23 interlock with the plurality of non-continuous threads 22. When the plate 1 and the cup 9 are interlocked, the central block 20 is positioned over the opening 10 so that the beverage within the cup 9 does not spill through the opening 10.

In the process of utilizing the alternative embodiment of the present invention, the following process flow is generally followed. As an initial step, the plate 1 is held by the plate body 19 and the cup 9 is held by the cup body 12. When the cup 9 needs to be attached to the plate 1, the opening 10 is concentrically aligned with the cavity opening in the alternative embodiment of the present invention. Next, the rim 11 is positioned within cavity 6 so that the cup interlocking mechanism 14 can interlock with the plate interlocking mechanism 8. In reference to the alternative embodiment of the present invention, the male threading 17 is engaged with the female threading 18. In order to do so, the user twists the cup 9 in a counter clockwise motion so that the opening 10 of the cup 9 in concealed. When the cup 9 needs to be detached from the plate 1, the user twists the cup 9 in a clockwise motion so that the male threading 17 disengages from the female threading 18. As a result, the plate 1 and the cup 9 can be controlled as two separate units. In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a plurality of holes that traverses the plate body 19 from the top surface 2 through to the bottom surface 3. Flatware and napkins can be placed into the plurality of holes eliminating the need to hold the napkins or flatware.

In different embodiments of the present invention, the plate 1 can be represented by bowls, platter, and other comparable items. On the other hand, the cup 9 can be designed in various styles that can be, but is not limited to, flutes, wine glasses, snifters, party cups, mugs, tankards. In doing so, the plate 1 and the cup 9 can be made of material that can be, but is not limited to, plastic, metal, glass, and wood.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An interlocking cup and plate comprises: a plate; a cup; a plate interlocking mechanism; a cup interlocking mechanism; the plate comprises a top surface, a plate body, and a bottom surface; the cup comprises a rim; the top surface and the bottom surface being positioned opposite to each other across the plate body; the plate interlocking mechanism being integrated into the bottom surface; the cup interlocking mechanism being perimetrically positioned adjacent the rim; and the plate interlocking mechanism being removably attached to the cup interlocking mechanism.
 2. The interlocking cup and plate as claimed in claim 1 further comprises: the plate further comprises a central block and a rim receiving ring; the rim receiving ring traversing into the plate body through the bottom surface; the central block being positioned concentrically within the rim receiving ring on the bottom surface; and the plate interlocking mechanism being externally and perimetrically distributed along the central block.
 3. The interlocking cup and plate as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plate interlocking mechanism is a plurality of non-continuous threads.
 4. The interlocking cup and plate as claimed in claim 1 further comprises: the cup further comprises an opening, a cup body, an inner lateral surface, an outer lateral surface, and a base portion; the opening being delineated by the rim; the base portion being adjacently connected to the cup body opposite the rim; the cup body extending from the rim to the base section; and the inner lateral surface and the outer lateral surface being positioned opposite to each other across the cup body.
 5. The interlocking cup and plate as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cup interlocking mechanism is distributed along the inner lateral surface.
 6. The interlocking cup and plate as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cup interlocking mechanism is a plurality of lugs.
 7. The interlocking cup and plate as claimed in claim 4, wherein the opening is circular in shape.
 8. The interlocking cup and plate as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cup body is tapered from the rim to the base section.
 9. The interlocking cup and plate as claimed in claim 1 further comprises: the plate further comprises a cavity; the cavity centrally traversing into the plate body through the bottom surface; and the plate interlocking mechanism being perimetrically distributed within the cavity.
 10. The interlocking cup and plate as claimed in claim 9, wherein a cavity opening of the cavity is circular in shape.
 11. The interlocking cup and plate as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cup interlocking mechanism is distributed along the outer lateral surface.
 12. The interlocking cup and plate as claimed in claim 9, wherein the plate interlocking mechanism is a plurality of receiving slots.
 13. The interlocking cup and plate as claimed in claim 11, wherein the cup interlocking mechanism is a plurality of protrusions.
 14. The interlocking cup and plate as claimed in claim 9, wherein the plate interlocking mechanism is a female threading.
 15. The interlocking cup and plate as claimed in claim 11, wherein the cup interlocking mechanism is a male threading. 